What are some common patent terms?

Patent law in North Carolina is the framework in which intellectual property is protected. Patent protection is a type of intellectual property that grants exclusive rights to inventors for the manufacturing, use, and sale of their inventions. Patent law provides legal protection for inventors to prevent others from using or selling their inventions without permission for a set period of time. Common patent terms are important to know for both inventors and those interested in learning more about patent law. Patent term – This is the length of time that a patent is valid. It is usually 20 years from the date of filing. Claims – This is a statement that defines the scope of an invention and is used to determine infringement of a patent. Infringement – A violation of the rights of the patent holder, usually by making, using, or selling a patented invention without the inventor’s permission. Prior Art – This refers to any scientific or technical information that existed before the invention was made. Novelty – Novelty is a requirement for a patent, meaning that the invention must not have been known or used by others prior to its filing. Utility – This is a requirement for a patent, meaning that the invention must have a useful purpose. Non-obviousness – This is a requirement for a patent, meaning that the invention must not have been obvious to someone with knowledge in the field. Provisional Patent – This is a type of patent application that allows inventors to have their invention “patent pending” for one year. It is less expensive and less detailed than a full patent application. These are some of the most common patent terms. If you are interested in learning more about the patent process or patent law in general, it is best to consult a patent attorney who can answer questions and provide advice.

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